Exercise makes you happy (AUGUST QUIZ)
Most of us are well aware of the endless physical benefits that exercising regularly brings about, but did you know that there are psychological benefits too?
Have you ever felt really good after a workout? The rush of euphoria that makes you wonder “how can I feel so good, after putting myself through that?!” The reason that you feel happy is due to the chemical release in your brain; the release of Endorphins in particular.
Endorphins are one of the seven chemicals released during exercise which cause the brain to “feel happy,” taking your mind off the intense cardiovascular and/or resistance session that you have just completed.
When released, Endorphins do three things:
1. Bind to pain transmitters to reduce pain being communicated to your brain; hence reducing your perception of pain.
2. Bind to opioid receptors that transmit signals to your brain, activating the brain region that results in elation.
3. Reduces Cortisol levels. Cortisol is commonly referred to as the “stress hormone” which evokes the “fight or flight” response to the perceived emergency. Having prolonged Cortisol elevation through normal day stress, such as having a stressful job, relationship, mortgage repayments and the like, each contribute to a higher Cortisol level. This in turn can lead to muscle breakdown, fat retention and a weaker immune system.
Accumulatively, these three effects of the Endorphin, “happy” hormone, give you the rush of euphoria post workout, sticking around for hours after your session.
If you find yourself down in the dumps try heading to the gym, going for a walk or run, or engage in some form of physical exercise to get those “happy” hormones circulating around your system.
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